In Australia, the legality of Chinese radios, such as the Baofeng UV5R, for amateur use has sparked debate. While government documents are sparse, licensed amateur operators may have some leeway regarding non-type approved equipment. However, caution is advised, as regulations and privileges remain ambiguous and subject to individual interpretation and compliance.
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Regulation Changes – what has changed recently?
Regulations in the last 3-4 years, particularly for Foundation licensees. It seems many existing amateurs have missed the changes over the last few years with websites not being updated causing confusion.
Logging Software – Which one is best?
Topic ARRL’s Logbook of the World Subtopic Logging Equipment Required Computer + Internet Costs Nil unless applying for Awards or obtaining a commercial app Document last reviewed and updated (reviewed …
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Videos/Websites for All Grades Qualification (including Foundation)
This post discusses the value of online archives for Amateur Radio resources, highlighting archive.org and worldradiohistory.com as valuable sources for magazines and books. It also emphasizes the importance of filtering internet content for quality, and provides a list of recommended podcasts, videos, and resources for various aspects of Amateur Radio.
What is Digital Radio?
As a newly minted ham, the term Digital Radio is one of areas that is going to cause you some confusion. Lets try and clear this up straight away. The …
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The Big Question – is ham radio dead??
There is so much clickbait out there, saying Amateur Radio is dead or dying. Here we look at some facts including latest numbers (Jan 2024) showing growth with Foundation leading the charge.
The Foundation Cliff
Topic The Foundation Cliff Subtopic Supporting the Foundation member Equipment Required None Costs None Document last reviewed and updated (reviewed each year) 8th April 2025 (updated) One …
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Who is the peak Amateur Radio Group in Australia?
When you are introduced to Amateur Radio in Australia, you come across a number of organisations that are involved. The author of this article provides an up to date account of who is who.
New Ham – What Online Services do I need?
When you first get your callsign, you know that there a number of online services you need. Problem is, which ones do you really need? You can literally spend days …
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QSL Cards
A QSL Card is a long established method of confirmation of two way radio communication between two amateur radio operators. It is also used for confirmation of one way reception …
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Foundation Licence – The start of your journey
Well, the start of your Amateur Radio Journey at least. You might be wondering how hard it is to obtain your Foundation licence. The real answer, particularly if you locate …
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Review of non-assigned amateur and outpost regulatory arrangements – consultation 01/2021
Review of non-assigned amateur and outpost regulatory arrangements – consultation 01/2021 Acma have completed their review of regulatory arrangements for non-assigned and outpost stations. They are now consulting on options …
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What radio should I buy for VHF/UHF?
There are a multitude of radios that are available for purchase ranging from Handy Talkies (HT’s) through to Mobile units, and even through to Base stations (although many use the …
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What Radio should I buy for HF?
First of all this article will not provide you with a definitive answer as there are a host of variables that need to be considered which may include Budget? Are …
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What is SOTA, POTA, WWFF?
Once you get into Amateur radio and you start looking around, you will come across the terms SOTA (Summits On The Air) and POTA (Parks On The Air) and to …
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What is the value of a Ham Radio Club?
Ham Radio or Amateur Radio clubs are an integral part of Amateur Radio. In fact the oldest club was formed in 1909. It is generally accepted that you will contact …
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What are contests – how do I take part?
As soon as you get on the air, you are going to hear about contests, either through amateur radio news articles, or even worse, you are trying to get on …
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What’s VHF/UHF Radio & Repeaters all about?
In very simple terms, VHF / UHF Communications is a very vast subject and a simple article like this is not going to do it justice. It also depends on …
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Waiting for Foundation Exams – What to Do?
Now it’s time to relax. Now, that doesn’t mean forgetting about it until exam time comes around, but what is does mean is getting yourself prepared to enjoy amateur radio …
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Is 10 watts enough or am I wasting my time?
Amateur radio is a delicate balance (especially in suburbia) of installing what you need and want, whilst at the same time, making sure your neighbours are not affected by interference …
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